Paper cushioning structure

ABSTRACT

One embodiment of a paper cushioning structure includes an elongated, hollow support member of U cross-section having two open ends; and an elongated brace member of inverted U cross-section having two open ends, the brace member comprising a packing space defined by a first slope at one end, two sides extending from both ends of the first slope respectively, and two first wing slopes each extending transversely from an end of the side distal the first slope; a second slope at the other end, two sides extending from both ends of the second slope respectively, and two second wing slopes each extending transversely from an end of the side distal the second slope; spaced flat first and second bottoms; and two sides. The brace member is securely disposed in the support member.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The invention relates to cushioning materials and more particularly to a paper-based cushioning structure with improved characteristics.

2. Description of Related Art

Package cushioning is inside a shipping container. It is known that the high price articles (e.g., laptop computers) are required to be fully protected during transport.

Various type and styles of paper cushions are commercially available. Paper cushions are more environmentally friendly. However, conventional paper cushions do not provide sufficient resiliency or offer complete protection to articles packaged in a paper container. Thus, the need for improvement still exists.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore one object of the invention to provide a paper cushioning structure comprising an elongated, hollow support member of U cross-section having two open ends; and an elongated brace member of inverted U cross-section having two open ends, the brace member comprising a packing space defined by a first slope at one end, two sides extending from both ends of the first slope respectively, and two first wing slopes each extending transversely from an end of the side distal the first slope; a second slope at the other end, two sides extending from both ends of the second slope respectively, and two second wing slopes each extending transversely from an end of the side distal the second slope; spaced flat first and second bottoms; and two sides, wherein the brace member is securely disposed in the support member.

The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of paper cushion according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the paper cushion in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the paper cushion in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a front view of the paper cushion in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of paper cushion according to the invention;

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the paper cushion in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the paper cushion in FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a front view of the paper cushion in FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a third preferred embodiment of paper cushion according to the invention;

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the paper cushion in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the paper cushion in FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a front view of the paper cushion in FIG. 9;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a fourth preferred embodiment of paper cushion according to the invention;

FIG. 14 is an exploded view of the paper cushion in FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a top plan view of the paper cushion in FIG. 13;

FIG. 16 is a front view of the paper cushion in FIG. 13;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a fifth preferred embodiment of paper cushion according to the invention;

FIG. 18 is an exploded view of the paper cushion in FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a top plan view of the paper cushion in FIG. 17;

FIG. 20 is a front view of the paper cushion in FIG. 17;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a sixth preferred embodiment of paper cushion according to the invention;

FIG. 22 is an exploded view of the paper cushion in FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a top plan view of the paper cushion in FIG. 21;

FIG. 24 is a front view of the paper cushion in FIG. 21;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a seventh preferred embodiment of paper cushion according to the invention;

FIG. 26 is an exploded view of the paper cushion in FIG. 25;

FIG. 27 is a top plan view of the paper cushion in FIG. 25;

FIG. 28 is a front view of the paper cushion in FIG. 25;

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of an eighth preferred embodiment of paper cushion according to the invention;

FIG. 30 is an exploded view of the paper cushion in FIG. 29;

FIG. 31 is a top plan view of the paper cushion in FIG. 29;

FIG. 32 is a front view of the paper cushion in FIG. 29;

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a ninth preferred embodiment of paper cushion according to the invention;

FIG. 34 is an exploded view of the paper cushion in FIG. 33;

FIG. 35 is a top plan view of the paper cushion in FIG. 33;

FIG. 36 is a front view of the paper cushion in FIG. 33;

FIG. 37 is a perspective view of a tenth preferred embodiment of paper cushion according to the invention;

FIG. 38 is an exploded view of the paper cushion in FIG. 37;

FIG. 39 is a top plan view of the paper cushion in FIG. 37; and

FIG. 40 is a front view of the paper cushion in FIG. 37.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a paper cushion 1′ in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the invention comprises the following components as discussed in detail below.

An elongated, hollow support member 1 of U cross-section has two opposite open ends 12 and comprises two hollow rectangular side walls 11 each having a flat top 11′, and a U-shaped groove 13′ formed between the side walls 11.

An elongated brace member 2 has an inverted U cross-section when viewing from either end (i.e., inverted U shaped ends). The brace member 2 is anchored on the groove 13′ by insertion (as indicated by arrow P2). The brace member 2 comprises a recessed, intermediate packing space V1 having a shape of cross when viewing from top. The packing space V1 is defined by a first slope 221 at one end, two sides 226, 226′ extending from both ends of the first slope 221 respectively, and two first wing slopes 223, 223′ each extending transversely from an end of the side 226 or 226′ distal the first slope 221; a second slope 221′ at the other end, two sides 227, 227′ extending from both ends of the second slope 221′ respectively, and two second wing slopes 224, 224′ each extending transversely from an end of the side 227 or 227′ distal the second slope 222; flat first and second bottoms 222, 222′ separated by a central transverse trough of width g1; and two sides 225, 225′. An article can be packed in the packing space V1 for transport.

Referring to FIGS. 5 to 8, a paper cushion 2′ in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the invention comprises the following components as discussed in detail below.

An elongated, hollow support member 3 of U cross-section has two opposite open ends 32 and comprises two hollow rectangular side walls 31 each having a flat top, and a U-shaped groove 33 formed between the side walls 31.

An elongated brace member 4 has an inverted U cross-section when viewing from either end (i.e., inverted U shaped ends). The brace member 4 is anchored on the groove 33 by insertion (as indicated by arrow P2). The brace member 4 comprises a recessed, intermediate packing space V2 having a shape of cross when viewing from top. The packing space V2 is defined by a first slope 41 at one end, two sides 46, 46′ extending from both ends of the first slope 41 respectively, and two first wing slopes 43, 43′ each extending transversely from an end of the side 46 or 46′ distal the first slope 41; a second slope 41′ at the other end, two sides 27, 227′ extending from both ends of the second slope 41′ respectively, and two second wing slopes 44, 44′ each extending transversely from an end of the side 27 or 27′ distal the second slope 41′; flat first and second bottoms 42, 42′ separated by a central transverse trough of width g2; two sides 45 each having an intermediate cavity 451′. An article can be packed in the packing space V2 for transport.

Referring to FIGS. 9 to 12, a paper cushion 3′ in accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the invention comprises the following components as discussed in detail below.

An elongated, hollow support member 5 of U cross-section has two opposite open ends and comprises two hollow rectangular side walls 51 each having an intermediate lengthwise trough 52, a U-shaped groove 54 formed between the side walls 51, and an underside 53 also formed between the side walls 51 but spaced under the groove 54.

Two fixing members 6 each has a section of U when viewing from top. The fixing member 6 has a recess 61 on a central portion of the top edge. The fixing members 6 can be inserted into hollows at both ends of the support member 5 (as indicated by arrows P1) to be secured thereto. Height of the fixing member 6 is about equal to a distance from the underside 53 to top of the side wall 51. Thus, the hollow between the groove 54 and the underside 53 is concealed when the paper cushion 3′ is assembled.

Referring to FIGS. 13 to 16, a paper cushion 4′ in accordance with a fourth preferred embodiment of the invention comprises the following components as discussed in detail below.

An elongated, hollow support member 7 of U cross-section has two opposite open ends and comprises two hollow rectangular side walls 71 each having a corrugated outer surface, a U-shaped groove 74 formed between the side walls 71, and an underside 73 also formed between the side walls 71 but spaced under the groove 74. Further, a hollow 72 is formed in the support member 7. A rectangular plate 10 is anchored on an intermediate portion of the groove 74, a first fixing member 8 is anchored in one end portion of the groove 74 by insertion (as indicated by one arrow P2), and a second fixing member 9 is anchored in the other end portion of the groove 74 by insertion (as indicated by the other arrow P2). There is no gap between the plate 10 and either one of the fixing members 8, 9. The first fixing member 8 has a section of inverted U when viewing from one end of the support member 7. Further, the first fixing member 8 has a rectangular recess 8 on a rectangular top surface. The second fixing member 9 is a hollow, rectangular body and has a rectangular recess 91 on an inner surface facing the first fixing member 8.

Referring to FIGS. 17 to 20, a paper cushion 5′ in accordance with a fifth preferred embodiment of the invention comprises the following components as discussed in detail below.

An elongated, hollow support member 11 of U cross-section has two opposite open ends and comprises two hollow rectangular side walls each having a corrugated outer surface, a U-shaped groove 11′ formed between the side walls. A rectangular plate 14 is anchored on an intermediate portion of the groove 11′, a first fixing member 13 is anchored in one end portion of the groove 11′ by insertion (as indicated by one arrow P2), and a second fixing member 12 is anchored in the other end portion of the groove 11′ by insertion (as indicated by the other arrow P2). There is no gap between the plate 14 and either one of the fixing members 12, 13. The first fixing member 13 is a hollow, rectangular body and has a rectangular recess 131 on an inner surface facing the second fixing member 12. The second fixing member 12 is a hollow, rectangular body and has a rectangular recess 121 on an inner surface facing the first fixing member 13. The first and second fixing members 13, 12 are substantially the same shape but of different sizes.

Referring to FIGS. 21 to 24, a paper cushion 6′ in accordance with a sixth preferred embodiment of the invention comprises the following components as discussed in detail below.

An elongated, hollow support member 15 of U cross-section has two opposite open ends and comprises two hollow rectangular side walls each having an intermediate lengthwise trough 151, and a U-shaped groove 15′ formed between the side walls.

A fixing member 18 has a section of U when viewing from top. A first brace member 17 has a section of inverted U when viewing from either side. Further, the first brace member 17 has a circular opening 171 on a rectangular top surface. A second brace member 16 is a hollow, rectangular body and has a rectangular opening 161 on bottom. In assembly, the fixing member 18 is anchored in one end of the support member 15 by insertion (as indicated by arrow P1), the first brace member 17 is anchored in one half portion of the groove 15′ adjacent one end of the support member 15, and the second brace member 16 is anchored in the other half portion of the groove 15′ adjacent the other end of the support member 15 by insertion (as indicated by arrow P2). Further, the first brace member 17 and the second brace member 16 are engaged.

Referring to FIGS. 25 to 28, a paper cushion 7′ in accordance with a seventh preferred embodiment of the invention comprises the following components as discussed in detail below.

An elongated, hollow support member 19 of U cross-section has two opposite open ends and comprises two hollow rectangular side walls each having an intermediate lengthwise trough 191, and a U-shaped groove 19′ formed between the side walls.

A fixing member 22 has a section of U when viewing from top. The fixing member 22 has a recess 221 on a central portion of the top edge. A first brace member 21 has a section of inverted U when viewing from either side. Further, the first brace member 21 has a circular opening 211 on a rectangular top surface. A second brace member 20 is a hollow, rectangular body and has a rectangular opening 201 on bottom and a recess 202 on a central portion of the top edge of an inner surface. In assembly, the fixing member 22 is anchored in one end of the support member 19 by insertion (as indicated by arrow P1), the first brace member 21 is anchored in one half portion of the groove 19′ adjacent one end of the support member 19, and the second brace member 20 is anchored in the other half portion of the groove 19′ adjacent the other end of the support member 19 by insertion (as indicated by arrow P2). Further, the first brace member 21 and the second brace member 20 are engaged.

Referring to FIGS. 29 to 32, a paper cushion 8′ in accordance with an eighth preferred embodiment of the invention comprises the following components as discussed in detail below.

An elongated, hollow support member 23 of U cross-section has two opposite open ends and comprises two hollow rectangular side walls 231 each having a corrugated outer surface, and a U-shaped groove 23′ formed between the side walls 231.

A fixing member 25 has a section of U when viewing from bottom. Further, the fixing member 25 has a rectangular hollow section 252 extending from an inner surface of a main section 251. Either side of the hollow section 252 is spaced from the adjacent side of the fixing member 25 by a gap which is about equal to the thickness of the inner surface of the side wall 231. A brace member 24 is a hollow, rectangular body and has a rectangular recess 241 on an inner surface facing the fixing member 25. The fixing member 25 is anchored in one end portion of the groove 23′ by insertion (as indicated by one arrow P1) and a brace member 24 is anchored in the other end portion of the groove 23′ by insertion (as indicated by the other arrow P2).

Referring to FIGS. 33 to 36, a paper cushion 9′ in accordance with a ninth preferred embodiment of the invention comprises the following components as discussed in detail below.

An elongated, hollow support member 26 of U cross-section has two opposite open ends and comprises two hollow rectangular side walls 261 each having a corrugated outer surface, and a U-shaped groove 26′ formed between the side walls 261.

A fixing member 28 has a section of U when viewing from top. The fixing member 28 has a recess 281 on a central portion of the top edge. A brace member 27 is a hollow, rectangular body and has a rectangular recess 271 on an inner surface facing the fixing member 28. The fixing member 25 is anchored in one end portion of the groove 23′ by insertion (as indicated by one arrow P2) and the brace member 27 is anchored in the other end portion of the groove 26′ by insertion (as indicated by the other arrow P2).

Referring to FIGS. 37 to 40, a paper cushion 10′ in accordance with a tenth preferred embodiment of the invention comprises the following components as discussed in detail below.

An elongated, hollow support member 29 of U cross-section has two opposite open ends and comprises two hollow rectangular side walls 291 each having a corrugated outer surface, and a U-shaped groove 29′ formed between the side walls 291.

A first fixing member 31 has a section of U when viewing from top. The first fixing member 31 has a recess 311 on a central portion of the top edge. A second fixing member 30 has a section of U when viewing from bottom. Further, the second fixing member 30 has a rectangular hollow section 36 extending from an inner surface of a main section. One side of the hollow section 36 is spaced from the adjacent side 301 of the second fixing member 30 by a gap which is about equal to the thickness of the inner surface of the side wall 291, and the other side of the hollow section 36 is spaced from the adjacent side 301 of the second fixing member 30 by a distance greater than the gap. The first fixing member 31 is anchored in one end portion of the groove 29′ by insertion (as indicated by arrow P1) and the second fixing member 30 is anchored in the other end portion of the groove 29′ by insertion (as indicated by arrow P2). Further, a transverse main portion 302 of the section 36 is seated upon the groove 29′ when the paper cushion 10′ is assembled.

While the invention herein disclosed has been described by means of specific embodiments, numerous modifications and variations could be made thereto by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention set forth in the claims. 

1. A paper cushioning structure comprising: an elongated, hollow support member (1) of U cross-section having two open ends; and an elongated brace member (2) of inverted U cross-section having two open ends, the brace member (2) comprising a packing space (V1) defined by a first slope (221) at one end, two sides (226, 226′) extending from both ends of the first slope (221) respectively, and two first wing slopes (223, 223′) each extending transversely from an end of the side (226 or 226′) distal the first slope (221); a second slope (221′) at the other end, two sides (227, 227′) extending from both ends of the second slope (221′) respectively, and two second wing slopes (224, 224′) each extending transversely from an end of the side (227 or 227′) distal the second slope (221′); spaced flat first and second bottoms (222, 222′); and two sides (225, 225′), wherein the brace member (2) is shaped to securely dispose in the support member (1). 